Wayne Bennett has always been a fan of good people over good footballers and it looks like he has got the right person in Dolphins’ signing Tom Gilbert.
Gilbert is shaping up as a very astute buy from the Dolphins, who inked a contract with the 22-year-old when he had played less than 20 NRL matches for the Cowboys.
Gilbert has since made his State of Origin debut and is now one win away from experiencing an NRL Grand Final.
Importantly, he is also clearly a young man with strong morals and will come to the Dolphins after winning the Cowboys’ Club Person of the Year award.
Gilbert won the award for his enthusiasm in embracing the needs of those less fortunate than him, an impressive skill for a man of just 22 years of age.
“It is very humbling,” said Gilbert.
I guess this year I wanted to become Tom Gilbert and a footy player, not Tom Gilbert the footy player, and I think this award epitomises it for me.
“It comes from understanding how fortunate I am and that I haven’t had too much to complain about in life.
“I want to use this opportunity as an NRL player to give those people that aren’t as fortunate, those that just need a smile on their face by meeting a Cowboys or having a chat, or an Instagram message or social media.
“I just think I can make that difference and am just happy to do it and something I enjoy about the game.”
Gilbert will play for the Cowboys in their home preliminary final against either the Eels or Raiders next week, with an NRL Grand Final place on offer.
